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The second installment of Suzanne Colin's series The Hunger Games has thickened the already enthrallingly morbid plot and taken it to new heights. As the tensions rise for Katniss Everdeen, the stakes only get higher when she is threatened by PresideThe second installment of Suzanne Colin's series The Hunger Games has thickened the already enthrallingly morbid plot and taken it to new heights. As the tensions rise for Katniss Everdeen, the stakes only get higher when she is threatened by President Snow himself, who promises certain doom for her and all she loves if she does not comply to his wishes.

Throughout the course of this book we get an inside look to how the districts cultures differ from each other, yet how they are connected through one thought: rebellion. Katniss has unwittingly sparked a revolution that will tear the country of Panem apart as it did 75 years ago. The suspense only builds with her complicated feelings for Peeta and Gale thrown into the politcal mix. The heat and drama intensify until everything (literally) catches flame.

A suspenseful work, Catching Fire is a novel impossible to put down until coming to the last page. The eerie similarities to today's entertainment culture and that of Panem's futuristic, sci-fi sadism will make anyone's skin crawl. The use of comparing how people are tied to material goods is Colin's way of showing us that the Capitol is not much different from how we live our lives on a daily basis while the rest of the world suffers from hunger and disease.

With lovable allies and spiteful enemies, this novel is ideal for a weekend read and will ensare any young (or even old) reader, wanting them begging for more and questioning themselves as to whether they'd be courageous enough to face political and civil turmoil head-on as Katniss does; for if the world was to be suddenly tossed into chaos, and the balance of freedom rested upon your shoulders, would you take it up and fight or do nothing at all?...more

The story of a Prayer for Owen Meany, a tale written by John Irving, unravels a novel paralleling the story of Jesus to that of a young boy named Owen, who is distinguished by his unwavering faith and humorously startling way of talking “IN ALL CAPITThe story of a Prayer for Owen Meany, a tale written by John Irving, unravels a novel paralleling the story of Jesus to that of a young boy named Owen, who is distinguished by his unwavering faith and humorously startling way of talking “IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.” The story is narrated by John Wheelwright, the best friend of Owen. Through his eyes, the reader unravels the mystery of not only John’s origins, but Owen’s as well.

John’s mother, Tabby, beloved by both boys, has always kept the identity of John’s father a secret, promising to one day reveal. But before, this could ever happen, tragedy strikes, and Tabby is killed. The boys grow up and suffer through the loss, living in mystery and soon forgetting about it all together. Their hardships range from school, work, and even joining military affairs to engage in the Vietnam War. Along the way, Owen sticks to his Christian faith and preaches his good will to all, impacting everyone he meets with his miraculous ways and counseling nature.

Owen’s prophecies and revelations will come to explain the mystery John has wondered all his life: who was his father? But it comes at a very hefty price.

A Prayer for Owen Meany is a loving story where we remember that in this world, it is necessary to forgive, persevere, and move on from the past in order to claim a new, brighter future. This book was highly entertaining, and allowed one to muse on their beliefs, and wonder just how much of an impact we can make on society; maybe even make a dent as comparable to Owen’s....more

In the novel Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, we are introduced to a very relatable, old, but charming character: Henry. Henry recalls the tale of living the tough life of an outcast. A Chinese boy alone in a sea of white faces in his prep-scIn the novel Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, we are introduced to a very relatable, old, but charming character: Henry. Henry recalls the tale of living the tough life of an outcast. A Chinese boy alone in a sea of white faces in his prep-school, where he is teased and ridiculed daily for his Asian origins in the time period consumed with nationalism for the war efforts in Japan during World War II. His overbearing Chinese nationalistic father makes obsessive efforts to distinguish his son as Chinese, and forbids him from any sort of Japanese interaction, whether it be people, or culture.

We see the past of Henry unfold as he begins trying to rediscover himself in the recollections of his past. As he wades through the vast see of regretful memories, he is compelled to search for items down in the Panama Hotel’s basement: items from the Japanese “evacuation” to their camps. There, he hopes to find peace of mind, and hope or closure for a missing childhood friend, and perhaps a bridge to heal the gap in his heart and reach a brighter new dawn.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet unravels a tale every reader can relate to, and a wrenching gut story that makes you just want to hug the poor little children, too young to impact a world ruled by adult ignorance and stubbornness. The novel brings hope for change, and peace of mind, along with a sour taste to know that the treatment received by the Japanese-Americans was not far off from what is portrayed in the story. Disgust for what has happened in the past opens up a new light to the present, and the will to impact a better future. Henry’s insistence to try and mold the societies of Asian, American, and even blacks into the “American Dream” melting pot becomes a drive to want to do the same.

This book is a wonderful read, one that I thoroughly enjoy and want to read again and again. Though told from the view of children, we see just how much more intelligent and open a new, budding generation can be. The view bounces back from present to past, sometimes a confusing aspect if you do not read the chapter date beforehand, but also gives a sort of charm as the reader relates aspects of Henry’s childhood to his life as an adult. I highly recommend this novel to anyone and everyone, as it has been a pleasure reading it....more